Current category - Small Business Leader

This category of the Small Business Showcase is a little different. This time, instead of nominating your business, we are looking to hear all about inspiring individuals working within it. We are looking to crown a small business leader of the year, and this time we are handing over the decision to a public vote.

So, in a nutshell, we want to hear about why a manager or business owner within the SME you work for deserves to be named small business leader of the year. It could be they have offered support around flexible working arrangements, or they take the time to communicate what is happening within the business. Perhaps this particular manager strives to offer every member of staff rapid career progression, or goes out their way to reward good performance. Tell us who you are nominating and what they've done to really stand out from the crowd.

It is also possible to nominate yourself for this award if you lead a team within a small enterprise. Use your entry to highlight changes you've made to improve your organisation and the working lives of those who work within it. Tell us about the difference you've made and why your approach is innovative and a shining example of best practice.

Our panel of judges will pick a shortlist of three, with a public vote deciding the overall winner. Deadline for 250 word entries: 9 April

Please note, you can only nominate one leader per entry

•Click here to read more about the perfect entry•Click here to enter the Small Business Showcase now

As well as ensuring your entry meets the specific category criteria, judges will also be considering the following overall criteria:

• Have you clearly demonstrated why your small business has excelled in this particular category?

• Is there clear evidence of the measurable benefits to your organisation?

• Is your approach innovative - does it make you stand out from the crowd?

And remember:

• Company turnover for 2012/13 tax year must be up to £15 million

• The activity described must have occurred in the past 12 months

• If your 250-word case study doesn't clearly meet all the criteria, we'll email you to offer you the opportunity to redraft. However, if your entry still doesn't meet the criteria upon resubmission, it cannot be published in our Small Business Showcase. If you have any queries prior to submission, do feel free to drop us a line on smallbusinessnetwork@theguardian.com